Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization (based in Diamond Bar and City of Industry, California) is seeking to add individuals to our professional, diverse, and engaged Board of Directors.
To further diversify the skills and experiences of the Board, we are particularly interested in candidates with 10+ years of industry leadership in transportation operations, insurance and risk management, and non-profit grant writing. Other professional expertise that could benefit the Board and the CEO will also be considered.
Board members serve three-year renewable terms as key fiduciaries to assure that the affairs of the 501(c)(3) organization are conducted in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the corporate bylaws, and the policies established by the Board.
Organization Overview
The mission of Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization (PCYAO) is to provide superior educational and competitive performing arts programs that change the lives of young people in the greater Southern California region and prepare them for leadership in a fast-moving world.
Beginning in 1993 with 33 performers, Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization now offers direct service and outreach to more than 3,500 Southern California youth. Our youth participants come from 100 cities throughout the Southern California region. Whether directly served by our flagship Drum and Bugle Corps, our education camps, outreach, or online programming, all our participants have a shared passion for performance excellence and all participate in their high school band.
Drum and Bugle Corps – This is our flagship program, a performance ensemble of 154 students, selected by audition. A drum and bugle corps – often simply referred to as “drum corps” – is a musical marching ensemble consisting of brass, percussion, and color guard (dancers who use props and movement to express the music). Like youth orchestras, they operate as self-financed nonprofits with no school affiliation. Pacific Crest is seen at national performances as we make our way across the country as part of the summer tour, a network of 90 events staged by our sanctioning body, Drum Corps International (DCI).
Arts Education Programs – During these multi-day camps, students work directly with arts educators to take their performance skills to a higher level. Students return to their schools with expanded knowledge they can share with their peers.
“Corps at the Crest” — A series of two national performances showcasing drum and bugle corps touring through Southern California. These are part of the DCI summer tour described in the Drum and Bugle Corps program, above. One of these is held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, and is the largest event of its kind in the West.
School Outreach – Discounted and no-cost “Corps at the Crest” tickets to local high school bands, providing students – many from under-served communities – the opportunity to attend a live performance.
Virtual Studio – Program of online education in the performing arts, including online private music lessons.
Board Member Duties and Responsibilities
General
- All Board Members must be annual donors to the General Fund. Members will make a financial contribution to the extent of their capacity. In addition, each Member has a duty to assist with fundraising by identifying and securing support through their own personal and professional networks.
- Attend and/or volunteer at a minimum of three PCYAO activities annually.
- Clearly understand the mission and purposes of Pacific Crest, its history, program, philosophy, strengths, needs, and strategic initiatives.
- Participate with other Board and Advisory members in establishing direction and policy for the organization, monitoring its implementation and ensuring high overall performance of the organization.
- Manage the organization’s affairs, including planning its composition and succession, electing its President and Officers, and nominating qualified candidates for election to the Board and Advisory Committee.
- Enhance the organization’s public image and to positively represent the interests of all stakeholders at Pacific Crest, including students, directors, and paid and volunteer staff.
- Participate in activities to influence the growth of Pacific Crest.
- Assess the Board’s own performance and success in achieving the objectives of Pacific Crest.
- Participate on at least one Committee.
Meetings
- Attend (virtually or in-person) at least 70% of the scheduled board meetings each year. Mandatory attendance at the Board Annual Meeting in January.
- Study meeting agenda and background materials supplied by the organization in advance of each meeting, and request additional information as appropriate for decision-making.
- Make your knowledge and experience available to the Board during its deliberations, and in direct consultation with the CEO.
- Ask timely and substantive questions at meetings, while supporting the majority decision on issues decided by the Board.
- Maintain the confidentiality of Board meetings, and speak for the Board or for the organization only when authorized to do so (including web-based and social media public communications).
Financial Reporting and Fundraising
- Develop and approve annual operating and capital budgets.
- Read and understand the organization’s financial statements, and exercise effective internal controls to ensure that assets are managed and accounted for properly.
- Assist with fundraising by identifying and securing support from individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations.
- Take an active role in the development and implementation of special events.
- Participate in special fundraising and capital campaigns to the extent of your capacity.
Applications for this round will be accepted through Friday, August 19, 2022. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to president@pacific-crest.org.
